About Us
Backing Bold Ideas. Empowering Human Connection.
The One Foundation is an Irish philanthropic foundation supporting high-impact, socially driven projects that improve lives and build human connection.
Since 2004, we've worked alongside visionary leaders to shape a more just and inclusive society — in Ireland and beyond.
Our current focus is on short-term, high-potential initiatives led by social entrepreneurs and change-makers.
From innovation in food systems and media to projects that promote inclusion, wellbeing, and belonging, we back work that connects people, builds understanding, and sparks positive systems change.
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Our Core Values
Mission: Empowering human connection through high-impact philanthropic investments, partnerships, and advocacy.
Vision: A society where every person — regardless of background — can live with dignity, belonging, and opportunity
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Humble
We are a conscientious and honourable funder. We fly below the radar, choosing instead to let our work and impact speak for itself.
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Engaged
We work collaboratively with our grantees and other funders to create and deliver innovative and effective solutions that drive impact and achieve systemic change.
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Dynamic
We are a responsive, progressive, courageous, and resilient funder. We are not afraid to fund unpopular causes and understand that the path to change is often slow and does not run smoothly.
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Open
We are an inclusive, collaborative, supportive and respectful funder and work with organisations to achieve their vision for change. Our support goes beyond the financial and we work hand in hand with our grantees to achieve our goals.
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Responsible
We recognise the importance of sustainable and ethical work. We seek to create the greatest value given everything we know about our culture, passion, expertise, and resources.
Our History
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2004 - 2014
In 2004 the One Foundation opened its doors for the first time. We were initially established as a 10 year limited life foundation. Over a decade we invested over €85 million, targeting solutions in relation to our goals in the fields of Disadvantaged Children and Families, Youth Mental Health, Integration, and Social Entrepreneurship throughout Ireland and Vietnam. During this time, One catalysed significant change to the social landscape in both Ireland and Vietnam.
In addition, the transformative nature of our model of “active philanthropy” galvanised a cohort of Irish non-profit organisations to become stronger and more rigorous in their work. Many of these organisations and individuals are recognised on the international stage as leaders in their fields today.
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2015 - 2021
2015 witnessed the outbreak of the devastating war in Syria resulting in the largest refugee crisis since World War II which unfolded across Europe and in Lebanon and Jordan. The One Foundation decided to invest in, and support durable solutions for families and children displaced by the war in Syria.
During this time, The One Foundation also founded Books At One. This is Ireland’s first and only network of locally managed community bookshops. Operating as a Social Enterprise, Books At One invests profits in fostering a love of reading for learning, pleasure, and connection. The original Books At One bookshop was opened in Louisburgh in 2016, followed by Books at One Letterfrack .
In 2018 Declan Ryan founded Colombia’s first and only airline foundation in Colombia, the Viva Air Foundation. The foundation has since evolved to become the independent ‘One Inversion Social’ organisation and now works to break the cycle of poverty and to advance the societal, economic and environmental development of Colombia.
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2022 to date
In 2022, The One Foundation took a more structured approach to it’s philanthropy again. This period coincided with the Russian invasion of Ukraine so One initially focused on improving the lives of refugees, migrants, ethnic minority, and underserved communities.
Since then we have focused on short-term, high-potential initiatives led by social entrepreneurs and change-makers: from innovation in food systems and media to projects that promote inclusion, wellbeing, and belonging, we back work that connects people, builds understanding, and sparks positive systems change.